Scalars and Vectors

All measurable quantities can be divided into TWO groups:

1. Scalars

These are quantities with MAGNITUDE but NO DIRECTION.

E.g. Temperature is a SCALAR quantity that has NO direction. You can only measure the MAGNITUDE.

2. Vectors

These are quantities with both MAGNITUDE AND DIRECTION.

e.g. FORCE is a VECTOR quantity as when you describe a force, you describe it with both a MAGNITUDE (the amount of Newtons) and a DIRECTION.

Here are some more examples of SCALARS and VECTORS:

Representing Vectors

A vector can be represented with an ARROW.

The LENGTH of the arrow represents the MAGNITUDE of the vector.

The DIRECTION of the arrow represents the DIRECTION of the vector.

e.g. Let's look at a ball with a velocity of 35m/s travelling at a direction of 45° to the horizontal.

If you increase the MAGNITUDE of the velocity to 60m/s, the LENGTH of the arrow will get LONGER.

If you change the DIRECTION of the velocity to 60° to the horizontal, the DIRECTION of the arrow will change and point in that direction.